The contemporary miniature movement in Pakistan has transformed the traditional, historical miniature painting from the Mughal courts of South Asia into today’s stunning contemporary art form. During this year’s SCOPE show in Basel, JanKossen Contemporary shall be bringing closer to a European—and international—audience the overlooked, yet exceptionally vibrant contemporary miniature art from Pakistan.

Among the works shown are over 30 works created by both established and emerging artists whose works will be premiered during SCOPE; among them artists who are being shown for the first time outside Pakistan.

The artists featured take various approaches to the changing use of miniature painting, by using contemporary themes that reflect their lives living as a woman in Pakistan; themes that touch upon sexuality, identity as well as a discourse with their environment. Subject matters are played with ideas of scale and materials, however remaining faithful to the miniaturist style and use of symbolism.

When considering the global media coverage concerning Pakistan, the focus is almost exclusively on military and geopolitical issues. The dynamic and burgeoning contemporary arts scene in cities such as Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad is routinely overshadowed by such attentions. This show hopes to change that.

About JanKossen Contemporary
With an emphasis on discovering and cultivating new talent, JanKossen Contemporary presents imaginative thematic exhibitions and tightly focused solo exhibitions, where the aim is to increase the appreciation of non-European art, among an audience of both seasoned as well as new generation collectors.

JanKossen Contemporary Art Gallery is based in Basel, Switzerland. The gallery’s mission is to foster international cultural exchange by organising new curatorial projects promoting artists primarily from outside Europe. These include the Greater Middle East, Pakistan, South and Central Asia, as well as Australia and New Zealand.